Be Kind To One Another
The following is a true story that reminds us to Walk a Mile in another's shoes in order to eliminate judgement.
The ladies worked their way through the racks of clothing, one looking for the perfect outfits, the other hanging back unsure. They chatted about colours and styles, and with her arms full, the gregarious one coordinated the outfits on the racks in the dressing room.
“We are ready”, she chimed. “I have put together the outfits and when you try them on I will help you determine how you can mix and match. Are you ready?”
“Before you judge my life, my past or my character. Walk in my shoes, walk the path I have traveled, live my sorrow, my doubts, my fear, my pain and my laughter. Remember everyone has a story. “ Susan R. Sharma
A smile crossed the quiet ladies face, and she looked at her new friend.
“ I guess I am ready”, she said. “ I am not so sure about the dresses. I really don’t look so great in dresses.”
“That is because you haven’t tried the right ones on. Just wait and see.”
“I think we have some perfect ones, and if that doesn’t turn out to be, then I will definitely find the right one. Don’t you worry, we have a lot to choose from”.
And with that she went into the dressing room to start trying things on. She came out with the first dress.
“Now look at that, it fits like a glove. “ said her gregarious new friend. “Have a look in the mirror”.
She stood in front of the mirror, and a smile started to spread across her face.
“Here, I have grabbed a gorgeous pair of shoes that would really work”. Not sure if they are your size, but give them a try.
She slipped the shoes on, and as her friend placed a necklace gently around her neck. She looked in the mirror again, and this time it was hard to contain the smile.
“I haven’t looked like this or felt this pretty in a long time”.
“Well sometimes you just need to see yourself through another’s eyes”. “Next outfit, this one is a keeper don’t you think?”
A small chuckle could be heard coming from the dressing room as she went to try the next outfit.
She tried on outfit after outfit, and each time she came out her shoulders were held a little steadier. Her eyes a little brighter, and the strain on her face a little less pronounced.
When they were done with all the work clothing, her new friend handed her a fancy dress. “Try this one on she exclaimed, it looks like it was made for you.”
“Oh but I have nowhere to wear that. “
“Don’t you worry, a girl needs a fancy dress in her closet for when the opportunity presents itself. “ “Just try it on, and you will see”.
The dress was elegant, the silky black material hung gracefully from the bodice. It flowed beautifully and ended just above the knee.
Her friend placed her in front of the mirror, see now how could you possibly live without this dress? It is perfect on you, as she placed a necklace on her.
“Wow, I must admit it is pretty beautiful, and not half bad on me, she chuckled.” She twirled a little on the way to the dressing room, perhaps it would be great for dancing”.
With that they both had a laugh. “Well I will package up all your things, when you have changed have a look at the handbags and I will meet you up front”.
She came back with a handbag of her choosing, and smiled at her new friend. “I seriously cannot thank you all enough, this is the nicest thing that has happened to me in a very long time. I had no idea how I was going to get the clothing for work”.
She was met with a hug, and well wishes. “You are going to look the part for your next interview that is for sure”.
“Can I help you out to your car?”
They grabbed the bags, and headed out to the car. Once the bags were placed in the trunk, she looked up with her eyes a little strained and said to her new friend. “I need you to know that I was you – once”. “I too had a family, I volunteered helping others and had a life”. “And then I went through a bitter divorce, and this is me now”. “I am so very grateful for your help”.
Their eyes locked, and the volunteer nodded. Then she grabbed her in an embrace, and said “good luck to you my friend.” Tears streamed down her face, as she watched her drive away.
As she walked back in the door, with tears in her eyes she was met with a hug and “Are you Okay?”
“I am more than okay, she said. This is why I come here, to remember that everyone has a story.” “It’s been a good day”.
Be Kind to one another. Remember to walk a mile in another's shoes.
This is a true story that occurred at Making Changes – Dress for Success
Guest Blog by
Jacquie McCarroll